Colin Farrell Targeted to Join Tom Hanks in 'Saving Mr. Banks'

Was it 'In Bruges'? It's hard to say where Colin Farrell's career turned around, but he went from a would-be star to wash out to now, when he's coming back with a vengeance. Besides top-lining this summer's 'Total Recall' it looks like he might join Tom Hanks in 'Saving Mr. Banks.'

As we've reported before, the story would be about the creator of Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers (to be played by Emma Thompson) who is courted by Walt Disney (Hanks). He wants to turn 'Poppins' story into a movie, which she allowed but regretted later. Farrell would be playing Travers' father, who was the role model for the father in 'Poppins.' This comes from Deadline Hollywood, who say Farrell is "in talks."

This will be coming from director John Lee Hancock, best known as the man behind sports films like 'The Rookie' and 'The Blind Side,' and whose career was almost sidelined by the failure of 'The Alamo.' With a cast like this, it would appear to be an Oscar picture, so likely it will start shooting later this year with a Fall 2013 release date. Farrell has never been nominated for an Oscar, so if this a juicy role, a nomination or a win would cement his "comeback" (even though he never really left).